Saudi-US Deal Strengthens Critical Mineral Cooperation
In November 2025, Saudi Arabia and the United States advanced their cooperation in mining and critical minerals. Talks between Minister Bandar Alkhorayef and US Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum emphasized the importance of resilient supply chains for the global energy transition. The memorandum of cooperation signed earlier in the year focuses on mineral exploration, value chain development, and knowledge exchange. This bilateral effort anchors the Saudi Mining Partnership within global frameworks, ensuring responsible practices and positioning the Kingdom as a trusted partner in critical minerals.
$2.5 Trillion Mineral Wealth Anchors Vision 2030
Saudi Arabia’s mineral reserves, valued at over $2.5 trillion, are central to its diversification strategy. With more than 45 identified minerals including gold, phosphate, lithium, and rare earths, the Saudi Mining Partnership is designed to transform these resources into engines of industrial growth. Mining is now recognized as the third pillar of the economy, alongside oil and petrochemicals, reshaping the Kingdom’s future around sustainable supply chains.
Mining Equipment Market Expands to $9.72 Billion by 2030
The Saudi Mining Partnership is closely tied to the mining equipment market, which is projected to grow from USD 7.32 billion in 2025 to USD 9.72 billion by 2030 at a CAGR of 5.83%. Key breakdowns include:
- 21.36% share held by surface mining support equipment in 2024
- 6.17% CAGR projected for drills and breakers through 2030
- 41.16% commanded by excavation functions in 2024
- 16.31% CAGR forecast for battery-electric fleets between 2025–2030
This expansion reflects the Kingdom’s push toward sustainability, efficiency, and advanced technology adoption.
Privatization Unlocks 33 Licenses and $9.32 Billion in Deals
Privatization under Vision 2030 has reshaped procurement dynamics, expanding the Saudi Mining Partnership. In 2025 alone:
- 33 new mining licenses were issued
- A USD 182 million exploration incentive fund was launched
- USD 1.25 billion sukuk issuance by Ma’aden highlighted capital availability
- Nine deals worth USD 9.32 billion underscored investor confidence
International partners such as Vedanta and Zijin demand digital-ready machines that meet global emissions standards, amplifying orders for autonomous drills and sensor-rich loaders.
Exploration Programs Cover 12,012 km² of Arabian Shield
The Exploration Enablement Program has opened 4,000 km² of greenfield targets, while Ma’aden’s partnership with Fleet Space Technologies spans 12,012.6 km² of the Arabian Shield. Satellite-based tomography is being used to map sub-surface mineral potential, ensuring a steady pipeline of discoveries. This exploration activity sustains demand for rigs, geochemistry labs, and advanced imaging technologies, reinforcing the Saudi Mining Partnership with continuous resource definition.
Battery-Metal Refineries Target 2027 Start-Up
Lithium extraction from produced water, pioneered by Aramco and Ma’aden, is catalyzing industrial-scale refineries. Partnerships such as Critical Metals Corp with Obeikan Group to produce lithium hydroxide highlight the Kingdom’s ambition to rival global leaders in battery-grade output. The Saudi Mining Partnership now requires autoclaves, hydrometallurgical reactors, and nano-filtration presses, alongside premium quality-control instruments like ICP-MS analyzers.
Local-Content Quotas Reshape Supply Chain Sourcing
Saudi Arabia’s IKTVA benchmark of 70% local sourcing now extends to mining projects, compelling OEMs to assemble or subcontract within the Kingdom. By late 2025, over 350 multinational firms had secured regional headquarters licenses, accelerating plant construction in Jubail and Ras Al Khair. This localization drive stabilizes the Saudi Mining Partnership by ensuring that globally branded machines integrate Saudi-built frames, cabins, and control modules.
$144 Billion in Foreign Investments Anchor Supply Chain Resilience
Saudi Arabia’s Global Supply Chain Resilience Initiative complements mining by attracting $10 billion in strategic investments within two years, supported by $2 billion in incentives. Already, $144 billion in foreign and joint industrial investments have been secured, strengthening the Saudi Mining Partnership’s role in global trade. By aligning mining, manufacturing, and advanced technologies, the Kingdom is building a foundation for Industry 5.0, where human creativity blends with automation to deliver sustainable growth.
Also Read: FMF 2025: $28.5B Deals Drive Saudi Arabia Mining Industry
